Customer Reviews

Simon & Garfunkel - Old Friends, Live on Stage

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own this DVD as well as the Concert in the Park DVD; I was also at both concerts -- each had a different feel, and each DVD has a different feel. Several reviewers have compared the two DVDs and, like most of them, I prefer the "Old Friends" DVD, which isn't to say that the Central Park concert is not worth owning.

The sound quality of Old Friends is superior, but that may be a function of the venue as well as of the updated recording technology -- at an outdoor concert, some of the sound is lost to the open air, while at a place like Madison Square Garden the sound is contained by the venue, and thus feels richer.

Though Simon & Garfunkel were backed up by a band in both concerts, the Central Park concert is more folky, with a peaceful outdoor concert feel (which is exactly what it was). The Old Friends concert, on the other hand, often seems to emphasize the rock aspect of "Folk Rock," which is a nice change from the Simon & Garfunkel sound I'm used to hearing. Its venue, better sound quality, and lighting effects, also give it more drama. On a flatscreen TV with excellent sound, the Old Friends concert provides the richer experience. My choice of which to watch, however, depends on my mood: I was at the Central Park concert the day before my first day of highschool, so if I'm feeling nostalgic I'll watch the Park concert; if I want more of an energetic, arena feel, I'll watch Old Friends.

As far as I remember, the only song they did at the Garden that was cut from the DVD was the Everly Brothers' "Let it Be Me." This isn't a big deal for me, though I'm sure some Everly Brothers fans aren't happy.

Other than this, there's little I can add to what's already been said about this DVD.

I'll admit I wasn't around during the 60's. I wasn't here for the 70's either and Regan was just finishing up when I was born. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate good music when I hear, and in this case, see it as well. My tastes range from Bebop to Blues, Rock to Reggae, and pretty much all points in between.
I've held Paul Simon in the highest regard with the other musical geniuses of our time (Pete Townshend, Brian Wilson, Lennon & McCartney, etc.) but only recently has the duo attracted my serious interest.

I bought the "Concert in Central Park" on a whim after seeing a short clip on a forum I frequent and was enthralled with the tight production and high, though sometimes awkward, energy. True to my nature as a musical "guru" I set out to research all I could about the duo, learning of their beginning, the breakups, the animosity and so forth. By Central Park it seems much of the past was beginning to be just that, the past, and the future was starting to matter again.

By the time this concert rolls around the two have aged a good twenty years and have had that time to reconcile. I'm reminded of The Who in this regard, as only Townshend and Daltrey are left and share a similar history. Two old men and a guitar. Once the music starts flowing all personal problems and grudges seem to disappear. Indeed, Paul and Artie (as they refer to each other throughout the night) seem closer than they have been since arguably their first meeting in the 6th grade play, a story which they elaborate on rather humorously.

There are smiles in quanitity as well as a few sideways glances between the two old friends throughout the show and I tend to think the only uneasy vibes they put off come from the fact that they haven't PERFORMED together in quite some time. That's a rather different angle than not having TALKED to, or SEEN each other in that span of time. I hardly believe the last time they spoke was at the Grammys, or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, whichever came first.

But anyway, the concert itself is spectacular covering an array of classics as well as some lesser known material for good measure and a few Simon-Solo tunes that "would've made a good Simon and Garfunkel record" in his own words. Paul himself is in fine form, gesticulating wildly when not playing his array of guitars and grooving with the beat all night. Artie seems beside himself for most of the show, clearly enjoying it more than any man should have a right to.

Standout performances (which are difficult to nail down in such a superb set) include "I Am a Rock" with a slightly slower tempo and different arrangement but nonetheless enjoyable. The beginning of the song is a little shaky, but tightens up at the second verse. "Kathy's Song" allows Art to shine vocally. The Everly Brothers even show up for a short set, recognized as the models for Simon and Garfunkel. The four share the stage for a rousing "Bye Bye Love."

"Homeward Bound" recieves a wonderful treatment with a bit of an extended middle section allowing the members of the supporting band to solo. The band is comprised of some of the best musicians in the industry though nearly every camera shot of drummer Jim Kletner showed a completely blank face, almost disinterested face though his drumming was superb.

The second act opens with a montage of footage from various sources including Art's acting career and "The Graduate," leading into "Mrs. Robinson" and a jazzy, perfect take on "Slip Slidin' Away." A few lesser-played numbers follow including a bouncy "Keep the Customer Satisfied." "American Tune" sets a new standard in concert performance.

It's difficult to tell where the concert ends, as it is comprised of two separate dates. (You can tell which concert you're at by Art's trademark vest, or lack thereof.) "Bridge Over Troubled Water" seems to be the closer, and a hell of a closer at that. This is where I see the dissolvement of the duo's problems as they share a song that was traditionally Artie's. Though, Paul looks like he's trying to upstage Art with his solo second verse.

My greatest impression with this concert is how the two seem to age BACKWARDS as the night progresses. The show opens with two old men, thinning hair, wrinkles, and straining voices. By the time we reach "Cecilia" we're back in Central Park. It's a testament to the timelessness of the music that its originators can still capture, and even improve on the connection it makes, thirty, even forty years after the fact. "Leaves that are Green" sees a stage revival for the first time since the 60's and the show ends with the anthemic "Feelin' Groovy" featuring some ... odd instrumentation.

If the two men were at odds, or at the very least unconversational with each other we might have ended up with something akin to the Roth/Hagar Van Halen concerts of a few years back, in spirit anyway. It shows through the music on stage and the ambient, laid back atmosphere of the entire show that they still are, as the title implies "Old Friends." I see no reason why this DVD should be viewed as a farewell, or a swan song. With talks of a new studio project or more touring, the sky's the limit for these icons in the new milennium.

As long as Paul Simon can write songs and Art Garfunkel can sing they'll be our bridge over troubled waters.

I bought this hoping it would be the consummate Simon and Garfunkel concert and it is. Intimate moments with just Paul's guitar and their two voices. A nice mix of songs including some lesser known tunes to round it out. The sound is incredible, the video is exceptional, the band is tight. The boys are in incredible form performing these tunes 40 years after they first recorded them.

I pressed play on the DVD player and settled down in my couch full of sympathy for two 60 year old men who sounded great in the studio recordings that we all own on cds and LPs. Having seen 2 CSN DVDs before this, I knew vocal harmonies were one thing to get right in a studio, but doing it immaculately on stage was an enormous task.

S&G do it with enormous ease. How? How can two men, at this age, playing a live show, surrounded by thousands, with just a guitar on occasion...master the ups and downs of each melody with such precision it is unreal at times.

This is one of the best DVDs I have ever seen. Get a high quality headset or route it through a 5.1 system and this will blow you away. Listen to it again and again and watch as Art Garfunkely rises and falls in perfect pitch and in perfect time with Paul Simon.

Sheer genius captured on immaculate sound and well crafted video. Great technology and great performers...we ARE a blessed generation to have the best of both.

What did you think of the Central Park concert? Did you think the energy was awfully odd at times? Think it seemed like the two principals really didn't want to be there with each other? Think S&G's harmony left something to be desired, compared to the old days? Think most of the arrangements of their classic tunes sounded as if they'd been forced through a "Southern Cal/mock-jazz/lazy-swing" processor, much to their detriment? Think the idiot racing on stage during "Johnny Ace" was by a long shot the concert's single most compelling moment?

Yeah, me too.

Which accounted in large part for my hesitation in picking up this "Old Friends" DVD. I figured, who needs more such disappointment from these two? Let it go.

But, it would appear I read just enough from fellow reviewers to make me think this show might be different. And boy is it.

All wrongs have been righted, and the result is an illumination of who these guys are and where they've been that could hardly be improved upon. Their voices, though clearly withered a bit by age, are nonetheless delightful from beginning to end. The band is unimpeachable. The arrangements are a sublime and frequently moving blend of the familiar and the better than familiar. Paul has dispensed with his wig, Artie's having so much fun it should be a crime, and the direction/production choices by the film crew always serve and never distract from this amazing concert.

Listen...forget that Central Park mediocrity. Give the lads a mulligan. Try this disc. Tap into what's going on between these two guys as you watch the show unfold. For god's sake, it's got a Theremin in it - what more do you need?

Simon and Garfunkel seemed a little uncomfortable together, but they were generous with compliments to each other. This was clearly a reunion concert as the opening song appropo to the ambiance, "Old Friends". The two have known each other since sixth grade. And we were privy to some of their disagreements that finally culminated into a breakup.

Aah, the voices!
Art Garfunkel, although he has no rhythm, has a most beautiful voice, better than he ever sounded before. It was mesmerizing to hear him sing "Kathy' Song" And of course, he owns "Bridge Over Troubled Waters". There is something unique in Paul Simons's voice that I always favor, but at times his singing wasn't as strong.

Fantastic musicians with an array of instruments
Credit has to go to this amazing group of musicians who at times played some strange instruments. Memorable was a unique contraption that produced the most beautiful wailing sound during "The Boxer".

Note: With help from a reader, I am told the unique contraption was a theremin, one of the earliest fully electronic musical instrument.

Musical interpretations
What was refreshing about this concert was the choice of musical styles for some songs. There was enough of a style for the audience/viewers to be comfortable singing along. But for the most part many of the tunes were just like we treasured them.

Everly Brothers..WOW!
Simon and Garfunkel paid tribute to their influences, the Everly Brothers and the highlight was to share the stage with idols for "Bye Bye Love". It was a short set, but worth it. On Simon & Garfunkels early CD, they do a rendition of "Bye Bye Love" that is just awesome!

Song I didn't hear
With the usual array of classics, and some I had not heard, the song I would have loved to hear was "Late in the Evening". All in all, this concert and production was fabulous.....Rizzo

After reading all of the reviews of this DVD, I felt like I had to throw in my own two cents. Not because I'm an expert on Simon & Garfunkel, because frankly I'm not. I wanted to do it because I wanted people to have a review of "Old Friends" that wasn't littered with biased opinions and irrelevant chatter.

This was one of the first DVDs I ordered when I joined a mail-order DVD club, which was the same day that I bought my first DVD player. I thought this show was remarkable. Great songs, great band, great bonus features.

I bought this DVD before I bought "The Concert In Central Park." To be honest, I only bought the Central Park DVD to see if the rumors were true that Simon and Garfunkel virtually made no eye contact with one another the entire show. Well, that's stretching it a bit, but there did seem to be a little chill in the air in Central Park on that August evening in 1981. It is obvious that the atmosphere at the "Old Friends" shows was much warmer.

One reviewer spent half his paragraph complaining about the crowd at the "Old Friends" shows, claiming that the audience in Central Park was "more respectful." He obviously doesn't remember the guy that jumped up on the stage and tried to attack Paul Simon while he was singing "The Late Great Johnny Ace". Another reviewer thought there wasn't enough banter between and about the songs. This person obviously hasn't seen "Central Park", where there is almost no talk between the songs at all. Frankly, I bought the DVD to hear them sing, not talk. (So much for leaving my opinions out of it.)

Like many of the other reviewers, I liked "Old Friends" more than "Central Park", for a few reasons. First of all, there are more songs on it. That's always a good thing. Secondly, the lack of tension between the two performers makes it more enjoyable to watch. The love and respect Paul and Art have for one another is clearly evident, even if they hadn't actually expressed it. And, there is much more bonus material on "Old Friends". There is almost no "bonus" stuff on "Central Park", unless you consider trailers for other movies a "bonus". It's great that they blew the dust off some old footage from 1970. That was probably my favorite special feature of "Old Friends". I give it 5 stars. This is a great DVD.

It came Tuesday, and after dinner I suggested to my lovely wife that we should take a look at it. She is not quite the big Paul Simon fan that I am, and wasn't really in the mood, but agreed to watch a song or two.

We ended up watching the whole thing. And last night, much to my suprise, she wanted to watch it again, so we did.

It is a wonderful concert. In many ways the best performances of these songs that I've heard. Paul's guitar has always been a key part of his best work, and it comes across loud and clear here as he plays his beautiful signature Martin in most of the songs.

There are all kinds of nice twists. Art talks quite a bit, and he is a nice counterweight to the generally more serious Simon. Art sings Kathy's Song, which was a treat that I had never heard before. Paul played a new intro to Sounds of Silence that was stunning.

The next to last song was what Art said was their first performance of "Leaves That Are Green" since 1967. Paul sang "I was 21 years when I wrote this song, I'm 22 now, but I won't be for long." Boy, that's for sure. How a lifetime flashes by.

Simon & Garfunkel doing a reunion tour was the last thing on most people's minds in late 2003, but sure enough, it happened. Artie and Paul, the poet and the one band, grabbed their guitars and headed back to the stage for the first time since their legendary Central Park concert in the early 1980s'. This turned out to be a once in a lifetime experience for many young fans, as this will probably be the last time the two ever share the stage again.

This dvd, "Old Friends, Live On Stage" was recorded in New York in late 2003. It truly is a great show. From the opening song, the wonderful, haunting "Old Friends/Bookends", you know you're in for a treat. As Simon & Garfunkel's music is low key and mellow, don't expect some flashy light shows and Vegas style arrangement. The environment is very relaxed and laid back. The performances are great, the standouts being "America", "Bye Bye Love" (done with the Everly Brothers), "Scarborough Fair", "Mrs. Robinson", "My Little Town", "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The 59th Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy). They also dust off some old gems like "Kathy's Song" and "Leaves That Are Green" which haven't been heard in years.

Paul & Art are in fine form vocally, they still have beautiful harmonies. As one reviewer pointed out, they seem a little uncomfortable, but you could hardly tell. They compliment each other like nothing ever happened between them. This a great dvd to have in your collection and I recommend getting the cd as well.

It amazes me how some people just don't get it. I went to shows 12/2,4, & 8, 2003 and they were all equally awe inspiring, emotional, and for lack of a better word...PERFECT! Some person is stating that the crowd was rowdy and the show "wasn't to be" and that is a very selfish statement. The crowd was very well behaved and reacted with genuine honesty to a long overdue reunion. This person also states that the Central Park Album in comparison had a "more respectful audience" than MSG or Cont. Arena. Clearly this reviewer didn't notice the loud bursts by audience members cheering and singing along, or Paul thanking "Ed Koch and the people selling loose joints...etc" as the crowd ROARED.

There is no rule stating that Folk Rock shouldn't ROCK! Hey buddy, if you want a respectful audience, go play B.I.N.G.O. This was a concert, a NEW YORK CITY CONCERT!!! Lighten Up huh?

It was a very intimate evening with a flawless performance by two seasoned "Old Friends". As I said before, I was at 3 shows and each was as good as the one prior. If you watch the DVD you can clearly see that Art and Paul appreciate the receptive audience. It wasn't at all rowdy like an AC/DC show. It was quaint and personable, beautifully arranged with strictly acoustic numbers and others that utilized the "top notch" band behind them that created a sound exceeding perfection.

As always there are anal reviewers who feel the need to profess their elitist expectations to downgrade a high quality performance. Don't believe it. Don't believe them. The show was fantastic! We should be so lucky to have them perform let alone look and sound great! Madison Square Garden was a perfect venue for them to play and the Continental was a good time as well.

If you love Simon and Garfunkel and are interested in seeing how perfectly well they still perform during this even later chapter of their lives then buy this DVD! It is a perfect addition to every music lover's concert video library.

I have one gripe about the editing and that is they cut out the "59th Street Bridge Song" from the CD version as well as "Wake Up Lil' Susie" and "Dream" w/ the Everly Bros. Other than that, this show goes in my top five favorites.